Sliding: Does it matter which 'side' you slide on?

[MTR]

Correct. We were taught to slide with our face away from the throw. But now, with the cages, I teach just to kick up whatever leg feels natural and slide on your butt.

I hate to see those girls that scrape up their whole darn leg.

If they know how to slide, that would never be an issue.

A few years ago an Olympian was giving one of those short lessons and this was on sliding. Her instruction to the players was to and reach for the base with your foot, tuck your other leg underneath and then sit down. It was shown a couple times and it drove me crazy.

 

[SoGASoftball]

I have always been taught sliding both ways is essential at higher levels depending which side of the bag/plate you need to go into (hook slide).